Laos

Laos is the most peaceful, charismatic and stunning country I've ever been to - and this is just the start. The US dropped $2mill of bombs a day for 9 years during a 'secret war' to stop communism. They are still trying to pick up the pieces, and it is such a shame.  The Buddhist spirit here, along with the sweet smells of local fruits fills the air.  The people of Laos are kind, friendly and always willing to help in any way they can.  Monks will sit under waterfalls, or on temple grounds and share their story, energy and message for a peaceful existence. 

Language -  Loatian               Currency - Kip                   Religion

 Thank You - Khawp Jai            $10 CAD = 78,930 LAK           Buddhism

  Hello - Sa bai dii                                                              Animism

Kuang Si Waterfall - Luang Prabang Unesco World Heritage Site (and Heaven on Earth)

Vientiane - Capital City

If you've come to Laos, you've come to the right place.  The Country's capital and largest city is situated in the Mekong Vally and is the perfect landing pad to zen out or gear up for an adventure.  Home of the Golden Stupa, national symbol of Laos, world peace gong and countless temples, this city will take you higher than ever before.  Vientiane is also a great place to embark on a journey through to Thailand, as it's very close to the Thai border and many forms of transportation can be arranged from here.   This city is truly stunning with much culture and beauty to offer - worth a few days visit for sure.

Vang Vieng 

Heard of insane tubing missions in Laos - well this is where it's at!  Vang Vieng today is mainly a backpackers town, littered with bars, guesthouses, and more bars.  Resturants here for some crazy reason play Friends reruns till the wee hours and the food, well not so great.  It's a total trip here, as opium and mushroom shakes are the norm for breakfast and the constant jokes from Joey and Ross are a bit much to digest.  The whole scene is a bit strange as drenched zombies emerge from the river with their tubes, ready for another meal and season of Friends.  It seems that drugs and alcohol really gets the best of tourists here, and river activities while impared have left a few bodies floating downstream - beware people do and will continue to die here - no wavers needed.   Be very cautious when the river is low, as many have been known to Luge or zipline directly onto hidden rocks.  Limestone cliffs jet out of the river and a variety of musical genres take you downstream on a tube, kayak or longboat.  It really is a beautiful experience if you are simply smart about the whole scene. 

Luang Prabang

The shining diamond in this breathtaking country, Luang Prabang is located in Central Laos and is an ABSOLUTE MUST to visit.  The stunning Kuang Si Falls are a 25min ride outside of the city and inside you will find great food, amazing markets, relaxing massage parlors and some of the best temples in SE Asia.  If you're wanting a real treat, wake up and be in the city center for about 5:30am where you will find hundreds of barefoot monks emerge from the gorgeous temples all over the city and gather their offerings of food for the day.  It really is a great experience and you can even participate by purchasing rice and banannas from women on the street - We suggest you do!

Make LOVE not WAR

Laos still remains the most heavily bombed country in the history of warfare. Unexploded ordnance (UXO) still remins a problem along the old Ho Chi Minh Trail, and the people (AMAZING PEOPLE), especially children are still being killed and injured each and every single day!